Empress of Otherverse

"I'm so sorry…."

"No, it's not your fault."

Bina was laying down on her bed with cool clothes on her forehead. She told him she was fine and that he didn't do anything wrong. However, she looked disappointed, and this made Lucretius feel apologetic. He worked so hard for this dish, yet she didn't even get to eat a single bite.

"I will eat it when my morning sickness improves. It really was delicious."

The dish barely resembled kimchi stew, but she still felt thankful to Lucretius for trying his best. She also felt sorry that she couldn't eat it.

"No, it's okay."

Lucretius offered Bina a cup of ginger ale Samantha brought. After looking at him for a few seconds, Bina made a decision.

She asked him, "There… is something else I want to eat."

"What is it?"

Lucretius looked both hopeful and fearful. It was great to hear that his pregnant wife craved something, but he feared it might be another dish from her world. Another dish he couldn't recreate for his wife.

Bina gestured him to come closer. When Lucretius approached her with a slightly apprehensive expression, Bina whispered to him.

"That ice cream we ate when we went on a secret date. I want that."

***

Sir Clark followed the emperor worriedly. Lucretius was running hastily, and Sir Clark was concerned the emperor might fall and get hurt.

He was the ruler of an entire kingdom, yet he was roaming the city unprotected except for a single knight. Clark and the principle maid in waiting both begged him not to go. Clark kneeled in front of the emperor and pleaded to let him go instead, but it was useless. Even the empress herself became shocked and tried to stop the emperor, but he was determined. If the empress wouldn't convince the emperor, no one could.

That was why Sir Clark was following the emperor in the middle of the city for an ice cream delivery.

"Sir Lucen! Long time no see!"

"Haha, hello there." The cafe owner smiled broadly and greeted Lucretius.

"I see that you didn't bring your lady today."

Lucretius answered happily, "Oh, my wife is pregnant, so she couldn't make it."

"Oh my, really? Congratulations!"

The owner complimented and congratulated him profusely. Normally, Lucretius hated this kind of conversation, but today, he seemed pleased. Clark had never seen his emperor looking so excited.

After a few more minutes of chat, Lucretius finally brought up the main subject.

"The purpose of my visit today is for my wife. She is having difficulty with her nausea and lack of appetite. She told me that she is craving the ice cream we ate together that night."

"Oh my goodness! No need to worry. We will make it exactly the same right away."

"Thank you!"

The owner packed it and tried to give it to Lucretius for free as a gift, but Lucretius threatened him to raise the lease if he didn't accept the payment. In fact, Lucretius paid three times the normal cost and hurriedly returned to the castle with the ice cream.

***

Luckily, ice cream was not melted by the time it reached Bina. Perhaps it was because Lucretius ran all the way, or because the cafe owner took great care with the packaging.

Either way, the ice cream reached Bina's bedroom safely.

"Wow…"

"Try it! Have a bite, Bina, or it's will melt."

The weather was indeed very warm as they were approaching summer. The edges of the ice cream were starting to melt slowly.

Bina took a small spoonful and ate it. Lucretius watched her nervously and expectantly.

He's worried that he might have failed her again.

She swallowed it and exclaimed, "It's delicious!"

Lucretius wanted to jump and scream with joy, but they were surrounded by their maids and servants. He controlled his emotions.

Bina ate the ice cream quickly. The truth was, she didn't really want the ice cream. She only asked Lucretius for it because she felt sorry to see him disappointed with the stew. That was why she asked him to bring her something easy.

However, when she actually tasted the ice cream, it was surprisingly tasty. She couldn't stop eating it.

"It's so good!"

Bina smiled happily while hugging the ice cream bowl. Watching her, Lucretius began to relax and smile as well. It had been many months since he had seen Bina eat this well. He felt full just looking at her.

Then suddenly, Bina stopped eating. Lucretius asked worriedly, "What's wrong?"

Bina looked confused. She contemplated for a few seconds before hesitantly told him.

"It's delicious, but… it tastes slightly different than the last time."

"… what?"

Lucretius' heart fell. He wanted to run back to the cafe and grab the owner by the neck.

While he looked upset, Bina took another bite and explained, "Oh, I see why. I think I know why it tastes different."

"Hmm?"

When Lucretius looked at her in confusion, Bina took another bite of the ice cream and quickly sat up to kiss her husband.

"…"

Lucretius seemed surprised at first but immediately started to kiss her back. After the long, cold, yet sweet kiss, Bina whispered.

"Now… it tastes exactly the same as the last time."

"…"

Lucretius looked at Bina silently for a few seconds before reaching for her. Bina screamed in delight.

"Ahhh!"

Lucretius hugged her tight and whispered to her. His voice sounded heated, making her blush.

"Lowson said that… you are in your second trimester and therefore entered the safe period, right?"

Bina protested weakly, "Y, you animal!"

However, she didn't stop him, and instead, she put her arms around his neck.